Locally Advanced Malignant Myoepithelioma of the Parotid Gland Treated With Radiotherapy: A Case Study and Review of the BC Cancer Agency Experience

Abstract

Objectives: Malignant myoepithelioma of salivary glands is a rare neoplasm; most arise in the parotid gland and minor salivary glands of the palate. Surgery has been the mainstay of treatment.

Methods: This is case report of a patient treated with primary radical radiotherapy and retrospective review of institutional experience.

Results: An 87-year-old man with locoregionally advanced malignant myoepithelioma of the parotid gland received radiotherapy alone with complete clinical response and sustained 39 months of posttreatment. Between 1981 and 2012, 15 cases of malignant myoepithelioma of the parotid were seen. Thirteen patients received surgical excision and adjuvant radiotherapy. At a median follow-up of 47 months, 12 patients were alive without recurrence, 2 died without recurrence, and 1 died with metastatic myoepithelioma.

Conclusions: Durable locoregional disease control and disease-free-survival was achieved in the majority of patients. The case reported suggests radiation therapy may be an effective treatment option for inoperable cases.